at the Upper Klamath Basin, Oregon and California - Early Summer 2024
Ғылым және технология
"at the Upper Klamath Basin, Oregon and California - Early Summer 2024" is a visual journey from Agency and Upper Klamath Lakes through the headwaters of the Klamath River at the Link River and Keno dams on through dam removal of the Lower Klamath Project at John C. Boyle, Copco No.1 and No. 2, and Iron Gate.
For a lot more information on the Upper Klamath Basin and Lower Klamath Project please visit: meridianphoto.com/klamath-riv...
BEHIND THE SCENES - BEYOND THE SEEN
The opening sequence for "at the Upper Klamath Basin" begins at the Williamson River. It required twelve miles of paddling by kayak. I asked two people about easier access to the river, a store owner and real estate agent. Both were unhelpful. Accepting this as par for the course I entered the river at the bridge crossing the Williamson River from Modoc Point Road. Under that bridge was scribbled in black paint, "were all going to hell.”
The paddle to the confluence was excellent. Waterbirds were hunting, the Canada geese were grazing with their goslings, and the blackbirds, especially the yellow-headed ones were an audio treat amongst the cattails and willows. All with the occasional leap of a trout clearing the water’s surface - providing that momentary glimpse of its silvery size.
Once at the confluence I couldn't find a place to land the kayak without getting spiked by giant stinging nettles. The mosquitoes too were quite aggressive. I was really dumb not to be prepared for them. From this locale, positioned in the willow bank hindered much of the line-of-sight required for flight. Except for over the lake itself the views were disappointing and time was running out for another try.
With the solstice sun nearing the horizon I had one more chance so I positioned the kayak in the middle of the river and took to the air. I had my eye on the old cottonwood tree. It reminds me of a tree at Kitty Ward’s Ranch near Wards Canyon.
Always wanting more, I flew the last flight to a near empty battery. Although a common practice in good conditions, I failed to take into account the extra challenge of catch-landing while paddling a kayak. It's not easy to land in low light, over open water with wind while running out of fuel. It was terrifying.
The post flight paddle home provided the perfect take-a-deep-breath moment to unwind. It was a moment made perfect by beaver escort. I must of passed a dozen of them - all splashing their tails to let me know who owns the place.
Near midnight by the time I reached the car and quite exhausted I then tried spending the night at the Agency Lake Boat Ramp at Hazel Park. It was late, I was tired, and it seemed an easy way to be ready for the next day.
It turns out the “no camping” rule is actually enforced and sleeping in a car is not okay. For my crime I was chased off by spotlights from three cop cars. Three? Surely not all for me? Undeterred, I returned by sunrise to photograph the first day of summer at Agency Lake.
With one day down and three to go I then proceeded to the other points of interest. Although uneventful and without incident, the side-eyes from most everyone are palpable and unwelcoming. What’s that camera guy doing and who’s he working for? Perhaps this video provides an answer.
- updated July 18, 2024
Пікірлер: 24
Thank you for the update and showing the beauty that is becoming of this area. Being from Michigan I would never be able to see this transformation like your have given me the opportunity to do.
Recovering nicely
Where there once was a foaming sludge pond, now there is great hope. You take a very fine video. Thank you!
@meridianphoto
Ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing your hope. Positive thinking helps build a positive outcome.
Thank you for the beautiful video.
Beautiful footage, thanks for the update.
Thank you for these images. I was wondering what everything was looking like now.
@meridianphoto
Ай бұрын
I’m always wondering what everything looks like too and I’m happy to share what I sometimes see.
Well done !
I think this video represents a lot of thoughtful work and I really appreciate you putting this together. A lot of folks are really curious about the progress of this noble project. I hope you can continue providing such valuable documentation. Thanks!
@meridianphoto
Ай бұрын
Thank you. I agree. It's not easy to satiate the curiosity and the social politics are tricky. My only privilege is the desire to see what I can with enough tenacity to endure some pain - it's a minimum five year commitment. To respond to an earlier comment, did you notice the tree at the Williamson River? It looks like a dying cottonwood much like the one at Kitty Ward's ranch. I've not made a detailed comparison yet but most everything except elevation displays similar features.
@georgehaydukeiii6396
24 күн бұрын
There are a lot of huge, old cottonwood trees around Klamath lake. I especially like the ones along the west shore between Crystal springs Malone springs and Rocky point. The tree by Kitty Ward's ranch could very well be a cottonwood. I believe that area was a lot cooler and wetter when that tree would have germinated. But given the fact it's growing right on the riverbank, the climate back then may have had little effect on it.
Listen to the sounds of all that life!
@meridianphoto
Ай бұрын
Thank you for noticing. The birds are part of it all, they motivate me to record while photographing. The ambient sounds behind the imagery are always from location of the imagery well within an hour or so of filming. A precise match is not always enjoyable - the drone is too noisy for that.
Beauty!!!
getting better by the day add rain will bring majestic growth
Looking forward to seeing some huge salmon runs in the next few years
@meridianphoto
24 күн бұрын
Perhaps this winter we'll hear reports of salmon being spotted from the Jenny Creek or Copco bridges. I can only imagine how exciting that'll be and hope it will help remedy lingering doubts and local worry. The process of recovery is not expected to be quick though. It may take many years before we see huge returns. Some will say it's for the next generation. The excitement for now is in seeing it begin and imagining the possibilities.
@michaelrunnels7660
14 күн бұрын
There are no salmon that came from Upper Klamath Lake. I thought salmon instinctively swim back to where they were born. Why would they swim hundreds of miles to a place they've never been before?
@meridianphoto
14 күн бұрын
@michaelrunnels7660 I'm not a fish biologist but I've asked one. Salmonids generally return to their natal stream but not always. Some will be more nomadic and will explore their options. Some will go up river because they can. Pit tagging fish and tracking them is how the fish biologists know this. As for restoring the numbers above Iron Gate, it may take some human intervention. The hatchery at Fall Creek, just below Wards Canyon is an 8 year commitment to help jump start that. Oregon is taking a more passive approach - waiting to see what happens naturally. There are unknowns for sure. It's a very exciting time to be learning from the fish - I'm eager to see what happens but not expecting much too soon. Just hoping like everyone else that extinction isn't the alternative.
@BallardBaller
14 күн бұрын
@@michaelrunnels7660 that’s why we have hatcheries, they can be reintroduced, and let go in rivers that they can access again thank to dam removal
so hot there right now
@meridianphoto
Ай бұрын
The Upper Klamath Basin is beautiful but one has to be tough to endure its extremes. I do not have the stamina required to endure much summer heat but the mornings and evenings provide some releif. Unfortunately, that’s when the mosquitoes want blood.
what a mess we make.